When does a child start learning to read? Long before they open their first book or write their first letter! In our recent webinar, “Early Literacy Is an Open Book,” experts shared how early literacy shapes success in early childhood education and beyond.

Our panelists brought different perspectives to this important conversation. Paul Govoni from LENA’s research team joined Dr. Nicol Russell from Teaching Strategies and Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate from Missouri State University to explore how children build early literacy skills from birth.

“Early childhood educators really set the foundation for whether a child will be successful once they enter formal reading instruction,” explains Dr. Thomas-Tate during the discussion.

The webinar tackles questions many educators and parents ask: What exactly is early literacy? Why does it matter so much? How can we support these skills every day with young children?

Whether you work with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, understanding early literacy helps you make the most of daily interactions with children.

Before ABCs and 123s  

 

Early literacy isn’t about teaching babies to read books or write the alphabet. It’s about building the skills that will help children read and write successfully later on.

“Oftentimes, early childhood educators think that literacy or reading development starts at first grade,” Dr. Thomas-Tate explains. “While there are practices that support early literacy, I think that we need to really hone in on what are those foundational skills and how important they are for developing later literacy.”

Children learn these skills naturally as they grow:

• Babies (0-12 months) learn through conversations, songs, and looking at simple books together.
• Toddlers (1-3 years) learn new words daily and begin noticing that printed words have meaning.
• Preschoolers (3-5 years) start to notice how words sound, rhyme, and break into smaller parts.
• Kindergartners build on these skills with letter recognition, beginning writing, and understanding stories.

Early childhood educators build the foundation for positive long-term literacy outcomes! Each interaction, each book shared, and each conversation builds the brain connections needed for reading success.

Early Talk Builds Brains

 

 

Early literacy skills serve as building blocks for a child’s future success – both in school and beyond. Research shows that children who develop strong early literacy foundations enter kindergarten ready to thrive.

“A 10-year longitudinal study published by LENA’s researchers in 2018 showed that children who engaged in more conversational turns between the ages of 18 and 24 months had higher IQ scores and language skills in adolescence,” notes Paul Govoni during the webinar.

Back and forth conversations create important brain connections that support reading, writing, problem-solving, and talking.

Up to 40 conversational turns per hour, every increase of two turns correlates with a one-point increase in IQ score.

Beyond “smarts,” children with strong early literacy skills:

• Develop better emotional regulation
• Form stronger relationships with peers
• Approach learning with greater confidence
• Experience fewer behavioral challenges

All the many milestones by which school readiness is measured are built on a foundation of trusting relationships. Conversational turns are essential to building those relationships and preparing children for success in school and life.

Early Literacy Magic in Everyday Moments 

 

Supporting early literacy starts with everyday moments!

“Instruction should sound like children are talking and engaging,” explains Dr. Russell. “If they can hear you and learn how to ask the right questions and tie stories together, that IS early literacy.” She encourages educators to ask themselves, “How much room is there for children to be expressive?”

Dr. Thomas-Tate stresses keeping these moments natural: “We want to provide children with a language rich environment where they’re hearing lots of language, lots of words, engaging in conversation with their parents back and forth.” It’s not just “skill and drill,” she says.

In other words, make it fun!

Need some tips on how? Check out our related blog post, “10 Simple Ways to Support Early Literacy.”

When literacy feels fun, instead of like a chore, children develop the neural pathways needed for reading success.

The Science of Reading Made Simple

 

Unfortunately, in a recent survey from Teaching Strategies, two-thirds of early educators reported feeling unprepared to teach literacy. Dr. Russel talks about how, in her experience, learning the science of reading builds teacher confidence. It helps them recognize that many activities they already do—like singing songs and storytelling—are supported by research. It helps them feel more prepared.

However, many early childhood educators worry that the science of reading means pushing formal reading instruction too early. Not true! The science of reading is a body of research that informs how the brain becomes a reading brain.

And it actually confirms that play, conversation, and language-rich environments are exactly what young brains need.

This is good news for all early childhood teachers! They can use what they learn about the science of reading to improve literacy outcomes. They can explain the “why” behind their practices to families and administrators. And they can better identify children who might need extra support early on.

Growing Confident Early Literacy Champions 

 

While, many educators feel unsure about teaching early literacy skills, with the right tools and knowledge, confidence grows quickly.

Dr. Russell explains that many educators aren’t trained specifically in early literacy development. And many have learned to teach older children. What works for older children simply doesn’t work for young ones.

What helps bridge this gap? Data-driven feedback and targeted coaching make a huge difference. This is where tools like LENA’s technology and professional development program offer valuable insights.

“I think for teachers who aren’t aware of how much back and forth is happening in the classroom, it’s a good way to give them some data, about the conversational turns and then they can plan,” Dr. Russell says of the LENA Grow program.

Research shows this approach works. Children who participated in LENA Grow showed greater improvements in literacy scores and entered kindergarten better prepared than their peers.

The path forward is clear: Focus on language-rich environments, measure what matters, and support educators with practical tools and knowledge.

Want to watch the full webinar? There are so many more wonderful insights from Dr. Russel and Dr. Thomas-Tate hiding in there! Stream the replay here.